If you start to feel dizzy or lightheaded, you might be wondering how to get rid of the issue. Some causes of dizziness are relatively benign, and other causes of dizziness are more serious. How do you know when to seek the care of an emergency medical professional? Take a look at a few key points below, and take control of your health.
Vertigo Vs. Lightheadedness: Which Dizziness Are You Feeling?
As you describe your symptoms to a medical professional, the first thing you need to do is figure out which type of dizziness you are feeling. Are you feeling vertigo or lightheadedness?
If you feel like the room is spinning around you, you experience vertigo. If you feel like you are about to pass out, you feel lightheaded. These have different causes, so be sure to describe your symptoms to the doctor accurately. That way, he or she will be able to help you.
Examples of Causes of Dizziness
There are a few common causes of dizziness. Some of the most common examples include:
- Otolith: This is the term for a small calcium deposit in your inner ear. The inner ear is responsible for your balance. If you feel like the room is spinning around you, you might have a small calcium deposit rolling around.
- Dehydration: If you are dehydrated, you might start to feel a bit lightheaded. Particularly during the summer, you must make sure to drink enough water.
- Low Blood Sugar: You also need to make sure that you eat regularly. If your blood sugar is a bit low, you might feel a bit dizzy. Eating and drinking something can help with this issue.
- Low Blood Pressure: If your blood pressure is a bit low, you might feel a bit dizzy if you stand up too quickly.
These are a few of the most common causes of dizziness. An ER doctor might be able to help you figure out why you are feeling dizzy.
Treatment at Home
If you feel dizzy, you might want to try a few things to treat your dizziness. A few home treatment options you might want to try include:
- Try sitting down if you are standing up. Lying down flat for a bit may improve symptoms as well.
- Drink some water.
- Eat a few snacks.
- Give it a few minutes and see if it resolves.
In a lot of cases, this will be enough to resolve your dizziness. If it is not, you might want to reach out to an ER doctor.
When To Seek Emergency Care
While some causes of dizziness are benign, there are a few situations where you might want to reach out to an emergency room. Some of the signs you need to seek emergency care when dizzy include:
- suffering a major blow to the head right before you felt dizzy.
- severe head pain while feeling dizzy.
- feel dizzy for a long time and it hasn’t gone away.
- experience vomiting while feeling dizzy.
If you feel these symptoms, do not delay. Go to the ER as soon as possible.
What Will an ER Doctor Do?
An ER doctor will evaluate and stabilize you. Several treatment techniques may be used, including:
- Imaging of your head.
- An IV to ensure you are hydrated.
- Possible medications to keep you calm and comfortable.
- Arranging specialty care when needed.
Trust an ER doctor to help you if you are concerned about dizziness.
Reach Out to CapRock Health With Any Questions or Concerns
If you have questions or concerns about your overall health, you need to reach out to a medical professional who can help you. At CapRock Health, we are honored to provide emergency medical care to the College Stations region. We are proud to be staffed by the best ER specialists and the top ER nurses in the area. We would be honored to help you as well. Give us a call with any questions or concerns about your health.